It's go time! Time to pry yourself away from that "24" marathon or dark, cool coffeehouse where you're hammering out your dissertation, and get out to enjoy the kind of weather that actually makes us want to live here.
And you don't need to spend a fortune entertaining yourself, either -- for summer is when Seattle truly becomes the land of the free (or exceedingly cheap).
FIRE! HUH-HUH, FIRE!
Cap off a long, lazy summer day by making a bonfire at one of the two city beaches where such blazes are permitted: Golden Gardens [0] and Alki Beach Park [0]. Remember, burn only the wood you bring with you, and within the approved fire rings. No chemical accelerants are allowed, and you must use water (not sand) to extinguish fires.
A NIGHT AT THE (CHEAP) MOVIES
Screening a movie outdoors is not only an inexpensive way to spend an evening -- most such screenings cost around $5 -- but it's a splendidly communal experience, and may bring back fond memories of the days before a night at the cinema came top-loaded with 25 minutes of commercials.
In Seattle, check out Fremont Outdoor Cinema [0]; Movies at the Mural [0] at Seattle Center [0]; Cinema on the Lawn [0] at the South Lake Union Discovery Center [0]; Movies on the Wall [0] in West Seattle; Float-In Movies at the Center for Wooden Boats [0] and Movies on the Pedestal [0] in Rainier Square [0].
On the Eastside, catch a flick at Movies at Marymoor [0] in Redmond; Outdoor Movies at the Beach [0] and Carillon Point Outdoor Movie Nights [0] in Kirkland; Moonlight Cinema [0] at Redhook Brewery in Woodinville; and Movies in the Park [0] at McCormick Park [0] in Duvall.
North and south of Seattle, you'll find cinema under the stars at Outdoor Movie Nites [0] in Edmonds; Sandlot Cinema [0] at Lynndale Park [0] in Lynnwood; Cinema Under the Stars [0] in Everett; Moonlight Movies [0] at Liberty Park [0] in Renton; the Summer Outdoor Concert and Cinema Series [0] in Tukwila; and Summer Sounds and Cinema [0] in Auburn.
Or fire up the convertible and take a ride down memory lane by visiting one of the area's drive-in theaters: Valley Drive-In [0], Puget Park Drive-In [0] and Rodeo Drive-In [0]. Most films start at dusk; check with the venues for schedules.
If you'd prefer to keep a roof over your head but don't want to pay full price for Hollywood blockbusters, catch a flick at a discount movie theater. These places usually show films that are about to hit video, and at $3.50 or less a ticket, it's generally cheaper than renting: Admiral Theater [0], Crest Cinemas [0] and Des Moines Cinema [0].
THIS LITTLE PATRON WENT TO MARKET
Check out a farmers market [0] near you for great deals on locally-grown summer produce, fresh bread, arts and crafts, clothing and much more.
FESTIVALS, FIREWORKS AND PARADES
Seattleites don't really need an excuse to throw a free street party -- all we need is a street. At its peak of activity, the Fremont Solstice [0] fair and parade takes over three streets - N. 34th, 35th and 36th - with a celebration of summer whose color and festive spirit is largely unmatched in the staid Northwest; it's practically our Mardi Gras. In fact, it's more uninhibited in tone than the Gay Pride [1] parade and festival, though now that the latter has made a controversial move [2] from Capitol Hill to Seattle Center, there's no telling what might happen.
Though it was recently presented as being "not particularly serious or sensible," the Ballard SeafoodFest [2] is actually a pretty humble affair, with a decent program of musical and theatrical performers, a large crafts market and - naturally - a top-shelf wood-fired salmon bake. The city's nautical tradition is also celebrated during Seafair [3], a month-long festival featuring events ranging from hydroplane races to fireworks.
Speaking of fireworks: The Fourth of July brings free fireworks displays over Lake Union and Puget Sound, best viewed from Gas Works Park [3] and Myrtle Edwards Park [3]. If in doubt about your vantage point, simply look up. Oh, and speaking of Myrtle Edwards: The park is also where you'll find Seattle Hempfest [3] in mid-August, with its hundreds of live bands and speakers, enormous crafts market and row upon row of vendors offering munch... er, food. No jokes, please. You can use the stuff to make rope and whatnot.
MUSIC WANTS TO BE FREE
Keep an eye on Sonic Boom Records [3] and Easy Street Records [3] for free in-store performances by touring bands and artists. This is sound advice pretty much all year round, but even more so during the summer months, when practically everyone and his guitar-slinging brother is touring
The Northwest Folklife Festival [3] at Seattle Center affords you the chance to see dozens of worldbeat, dance, acrobatic and, yes, folk performers for the unbelievable low price of free (though the $5 per day donation is much appreciated). Many locals prefer Folklife to Bumbershoot (see below); it's less crowded for sure, and the vibe is more garden party-genteel than festival rock-bedlam. It happens Memorial Day Weekend.
Our bar oasis to the south kicks of June with a distinctly Northwest block party. The Georgetown Music Fest [3] showcases the regions best bands for a ticket price that will leave you with plenty of change for the beer garden.
The end of July brings the return of the Capitol Hill Block Party [3], an event that's virtually overstuffed with local and national musical talent. If there's a hot local band that doesn't clamor to get on this bill, we're hard-pressed to name it. This year, the party returns to Pike, a venue that allows more space for festivities, and more importantly, incorporates the (air-conditioned!) main and Bad Juju stages at Neumos [3].
Late in the summer, Seattle Center plays host to Bumbershoot [3], the Labor Day Weekend music and arts festival that has become one of the nation's largest festivals. It's not cheap when compared to Folklife, but you won't regret a single penny. Bumbershoot brings the tunes of chart-toppers and garage-rockers from around the world. If you like music, any kind of music at all, Bumbershoot is a must.
We recommend mapping out your day in advance - the lineup of art, film, comedy, theater, dance and food can be overwhelming. Be sure to check out the One-Reel Film Festival [4] (now in the capable hands of SIFF [5]), and the Flatstock [6] poster art show. But beware: The crowds at Bumbershoot are enormous, and by that virtue are pretty much guaranteed to make you despise all of humanity.
GO FLY A KITE
Well, why not, Charlie Brown? Find the perfect kite at Gasworks Park Kite Shop [6] and set it aloft in the ever-supportive winds over Gas Works Park [6] or Sand Point Magnuson Park [6].
THEATER IN THE PARK
You're going to see some open-air Shakespeare this summer. You cannot avoid it; the Bard has got your number. Throughout the summer, GreenStage [7] and Wooden O Theater [8] produce classics such as "Hamlet," Romeo and Juliet," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Romance, tragedy, comedy, and sword fights, Will's plays have something for everyone. The shows generally take place on the weekends at various parks around Seattle and the Eastside. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
The Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival [8], a weekend of outdoor theater presented by GreenStage, Wooden O and Theater Schmeater [9], happens mid-July in Volunteer Park. You can safely depend on the Bard to crash that party, too.
GET OUTDOORS (BUT STAY IN TOWN)
Why not take a canoe or kayak through the Arboretum [9]? Rent a kayak from Agua Verde Paddle Club [9] or the Northwest Outdoor Center [9], or a canoe from the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center [9].
Prefer terra-firma? That's all right, landlubber. There are dozens of challenging and beautifully verdant walking trails [9] that are mere steps away from your front door. A bike ride to Woodinville [9] is always a great way to spend a summer day. Or drop in to the new Lower Woodland Skatepark. [9] It's a great time to head down to Ballard's Hiram M. Chittenden Locks [9] to watch salmon make their way up the fish ladders. And needless to say, even a millionaire can appreciate an afternoon in the park [9].
ROOT FOR THE (OTHER) HOME TEAM
Even with the Sonics on their way out, there are plenty of sporting events around town. Catch the Tacoma Rainiers [10], Everett AquaSox [11], Seattle Storm [12], Seattle Sounders [13] and the Rat City Rollergirls [14].
TAKE THE LONG VIEW
Sunny days mean dazzling views, and while there's no denying that the view from the Space Needle [14] is exceptional, the ticket price is, ah, steep. As an alternative, we recommend you check out the view from the 76-story Columbia Tower [14] (the observation deck is on floor 73, 13 stories higher than the Space Needle's deck) and the view from the historic Smith Tower [14] (its 35th-story observation floor affords a gorgeous view of SODO and Downtown Seattle). Believe your own eyes - these are terrific views, both for under ten bucks.
ADD TO THIS LIST
Frugal though we are, even your humble NWsource staff doesn't know where and when all the great free events are happening. If you know of a great free (or dirt-cheap) summer event - or if you're organizing one yourself - let us know [14].
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
